Wembanyama ejected as Spurs beaten by Timberwolves

Victor Wembanyama did not speak to the media following his ejection from game four on Sunday [Getty Images]

Victor Wembanyama was ejected for the first time in his NBA career - for elbowing an opponent - as his San Antonio Spurs side were beaten 114-109 by the Minnesota Timberwolves in game four of the Western Conference semi-finals.

France international Wembanyama, 22, had grabbed the rebound of a missed Spurs three-pointer early in the second quarter and was protecting the ball when he turned around and appeared to elbow Timberwolves' Naz Reid in the jaw.

The incident was initially called as a offensive foul, as fans in Minneapolis chanted "kick him out, kick him out".

And, after a video review of the play by the officials, it was upgraded to a flagrant 2 - which is an automatic ejection and a minimum of $2,000 (£1,464) fine - for excessive contact above the neck.

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When the ejection was announced, Wembanyama appeared to ask Spurs team-mate Harrison Barnes: "What does that mean?"

Timberwolves' victory on Sunday levels the best-of-seven series at 2-2 before game five in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday.

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said, while he did not condone Wembanyama's actions, he was glad he "took matters into his own hands" as he believes the 7ft 4in (2.24m) star needs more protection from referees.